John Terry shared how a crucial phone call from Jose Mourinho turned around his Chelsea career.
The 2014/15 season marked Chelsea’s return to the Premier League title, and for John Terry, it was a significant personal comeback.
A year prior, his career seemed to be declining, but one phone call changed everything. That call was from Jose Mourinho, who had previously built his Chelsea team around Terry and returned to revitalize both him and the club.
Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images
Jose Mourinho ignored Rafa Benitez’s view on John Terry
In a conversation with Ken Golden, John Terry discussed the doubts about him before Mourinho’s return. Rafa Benitez, then the interim manager, had told the club that Terry was no longer effective.
“We had an interim manager, Rafa Benitez, who said I was past my prime and could no longer play,” Terry recalled.
However, Mourinho had a different perspective. Upon returning to Stamford Bridge in summer 2013, he reaffirmed that Terry still had a significant role to play.
While on vacation in Portugal with his wife, Terry received an unexpected call from Mourinho, which would be pivotal for his career.
“Mourinho called me while I was in Portugal, enjoying some wine with my wife. He said, ‘I’m coming back, and you’re still my captain.’ It was very emotional and powerful for me.”
Mourinho’s call boosts John Terry’s confidence and Chelsea’s title success
John Terry went on to play in every Premier League match during the 2014-15 season, leading Chelsea to their first league title in five years.
His outstanding performance at age 35 led to a contract extension with Chelsea, allowing him to continue his role.
Terry’s leadership and renewed confidence symbolized Mourinho’s second term—a season focused on discipline and self-belief.
For Terry, the phone call was more than a tactical choice; it reignited his love for the game and reaffirmed his place in Chelsea’s defense.
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